Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): A Guide for Early Years Educators
Did you know DLD affects 1 in 14 people? That’s around 2 children in every mainstream classroom.
What is DLD?
Is a lifelong condition where a child has difficulty understanding and/or using language - without another condition causing it (e.g. hearing loss, autism, GDD).
- Previously known as Specific Language Impairment (SLI) until 2017.
- No known cause — though it often runs in families.
- Considered part of the neurodiversity umbrella.
How it can affect children:
- Making friends & emotional wellbeing
- Listening, learning and participation
- Behaviour — often misunderstood, with some children incorrectly suspected of ADHD
- Feeling “lost” when needs aren’t recognised
Watch our webinar recording and find out more - and learn how you can spot signs early and support children with DLD in your setting.
Every child deserves to be understood.